From the rock 'n' roll oversized furs spotted on the Cavalli runway, to the colourful sixties-style numbers which turned heads at Gucci, fur has proven itself to be the main protagonist for autumn/winter 2014, judging by Europe's recently concluded fashion weeks.

Shaping the new generation of fur designers is the International Fur Federation, which through its annual REMIX contest, gives 12 international talents the chance to present their designs to an audience made up by industry professionals in a Milan-based fashion show.

Pathankot-born Nitin Mahajan, 23, was among the lucky chosen ones. We caught up with the Madrid-based ESNE Fashion Design student to discover more about his journey so far.

How did you get in touch with the REMIX contest?

I got in touch with the contest through the OEEP Spanish Fur Organization — a member of the International Fur Federation — and its group Fur Futures Spain. OEEP organises a fur competition throughout several design schools, and subsequently selects one designer to present his work at the REMIX contest.

Where does your affection for fur come from?

Well, this is my first year working with fur and I'm not sure about where this affection comes from exactly. I just know that my teacher, OEEP member Jorge Martinez, taught me all about fur and its possibilities design-wise.

How do your Indian roots inspire you in your designs?

Growing up between India and Spain provides me with both points of view from each culture. In my work, I try to combine the two and create some sort of harmony. So whatever type of design I make, it should always have a touch of India. A good example is the metal dress that I showed in Milan, which is inspired by the ghagra choli. I've lived in Madrid for almost fourteen years now, but I frequently travel to India to visit my family and keep in touch with my roots.

Why do you think you were chosen as one of the finalists?

I think the jury saw that my designs were fresh, while still preserving the primitive look of a fur garment. I think they also took into account that doing menswear with fur is not easy, as it is normally associated with womenswear.

Could you explain the signature of your designs?

My designs tend to be modern with clean cuts, but still have a baroque touch, where you benefit from the smallest detail.

What have you gained from the REMIX contest?

I've learnt more about furs, and of course it was a very big opportunity to present my work in front of such a great jury, headed by Vogue Italia's Franca Sozzani.

Which designer is your biggest inspiration?

I admire the work of all designers, since everybody brings something unique to the game. If I must make a choice however, I'd say I like the work of Alexander McQueen and Iris Van Herpen. They know exactly what they want and don't put any limits on their designs. They create what they like, not what other people like.

What would you like to say to those who are against the use of fur?

I would try to inform those people about Origin Assured tags for furs. It gives assurance that the fur in a garment or product originates from a country where local regulations governing fur production are in force. Also, I have learnt that the Fur Trade invests in animal welfare research and certification programmes, in addition to supporting national and international animal welfare legislation. I think people should be informed about welfare conditions on farms before expressing any opposition to fur.